British actresses born in 1920
Here are 9 famous actresses from United Kingdom were born in 1920:
Barbara Lott
Barbara Lott (May 15, 1920 London Borough of Richmond upon Thames-December 19, 2002 London) also known as Barbara Dulcie Lott was a British actor.
She began her acting career in the 1940s, initially working on stage with appearances in productions like "Outrageous Fortune" and "The Wind and the Rain". Lott made her film debut in the late 1940s, appearing in movies like "The Small Back Room" and "The Huggetts Abroad". In the 1950s and 1960s, she continued to work in films and on TV shows, with roles in "The Long Arm" and "The Avengers". One of her most notable roles came in the 1970s, when she played the character of Aunt Dahlia in the television series "Jeeves and Wooster". She continued to act on stage as well, with appearances in productions such as "A Streetcar Named Desire". Lott was also involved in the founding of the Actors Centre in London, which provides resources and support to actors in the UK.
In addition to her acting career, Barbara Lott was also an accomplished writer, having written several plays and television scripts. She won the Somerset Maugham Award in 1952 for her play "In the Same Boat". Throughout her career, Lott was known for her versatility as an actor, and her ability to play both serious and comedic roles with ease. She was a beloved figure in the British acting community, and was known for her generosity and support of younger actors. Lott passed away in London in 2002 at the age of 82.
Eileen Bennett
Eileen Bennett (July 8, 1920 London-) is a British actor. Her children are called Nicholas Hammond and David Hammond.
Eileen Bennett began her acting career in the 1940s, appearing in various films such as "The Seven Year Itch" (1955) and "Vice Versa" (1948). She also had roles in television series such as "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1955) and "The Saint" (1964). Bennett is perhaps best known for her role as Aunt Beru in "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope" (1977). In addition to acting, Bennett was a trained singer and was active in the London theater scene. She passed away on June 23, 2016, at the age of 95.
During World War II, Eileen Bennett served as a radar operator with the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. After the war, she briefly worked as a model before pursuing her acting career. In the 1950s, Bennett was a regular on the BBC Radio program "The Archers," where she played several different roles over the years. She also appeared on stage, including a role in the West End production of "The Boy Friend" in 1954. In addition to acting in films and TV shows, Bennett was also a voice actor, lending her voice to several animated series in the 1980s such as "Danger Mouse" and "Count Duckula." Throughout her career, Bennett was known for her kind and warm nature, as well as her commitment to her craft.
Pamela Cundell
Pamela Cundell (March 1, 1920 Croydon-) also known as Pamela I. Cundell, Pamela Cundall or Pam Cundell is a British actor.
She is best known for her role as Mrs Fox in the long-running BBC sitcom Dad's Army, which she played from 1970 to 1977. Cundell began her acting career in the 1940s and appeared in numerous British television shows and films throughout her career. In addition to her work on Dad's Army, she also had recurring roles on other popular British shows such as The Bill and The Sweeney. Cundell continued to act into her 90s, with one of her last roles being in the 2015 film One Crazy Thing.
Cundell was born in Croydon, Surrey, England and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She started her acting career on stage and made her debut in the 1940 production of Dear Octopus. Over the next few decades, she appeared in numerous West End productions, including Beyond the Fringe and Mrs Warren's Profession.
Cundell's first television appearance was in 1953 on the BBC program The Quatermass Experiment, but it wasn't until the 1960s that she began to appear regularly on television. In addition to her recurring roles, she also had guest appearances on shows such as Doctor Who, Z Cars, and Dixon of Dock Green.
Outside of acting, Cundell was a talented artist and exhibited her paintings in various galleries in London. She was also an animal lover and owned several dogs throughout her life.
Cundell never married and had no children. She passed away on February 14, 2015, at the age of 94, in London, England.
Vanessa Lee
Vanessa Lee (June 18, 1920 Streatham-March 15, 1992 London) otherwise known as Winifred Ruby Moule or Lady Graves was a British actor and singer.
She began her career as a child performer and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Vanessa Lee first gained popularity in the 1940s for her performances in musical theatre productions such as "Bless the Bride" and "Clapham Wonder".
During World War II, Vanessa Lee entertained the British armed forces as a member of ENSA (Entertainments National Service Association). She also appeared in several films including "The Loves of Joanna Godden" and "London Town".
In 1957, she starred in the original London production of "The Music Man" and later toured with the production in the United States. She continued to work in theatre throughout the 1960s and 1970s, appearing in productions such as "The King and I" and "My Fair Lady".
Vanessa Lee also had success as a recording artist, releasing several albums throughout her career. She retired from performing in the 1980s and spent her later years in London.
In addition to her successful career in entertainment, Vanessa Lee was also involved in charitable work. She was a dedicated patron of the Star and Garter Home for Disabled Servicemen and in 1985, she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contribution to the performing arts and charity. Despite suffering from Parkinson's disease in her later years, Vanessa Lee continued to support charitable causes until her death in 1992 at the age of 71. Today, she is remembered as one of Britain's most beloved performers and a true icon of the Golden Age of musical theatre.
Pamela Stirling
Pamela Stirling (March 14, 1920 London-November 5, 2014) was a British actor.
Stirling began her career in the 1940s and quickly became a well-known stage actress in London's West End. She also worked in film and television, appearing in several classic British TV series such as "Doctor Who" and "The Avengers." Stirling was known for her versatility and range, portraying characters that spanned from dramatic to comedic. She also had a passion for directing and worked on several productions during her career. Additionally, Stirling was involved in various charitable organizations, particularly those that supported the arts and education.
Stirling's notable stage roles included Lady Macbeth in "Macbeth," Diana Fletcher in "The Grass is Greener," and Mrs. Malaprop in "The Rivals." In film, she appeared in "The Flesh and the Fiends" and "The Day the Earth Caught Fire." Stirling was also a regular on the BBC radio program "Beyond Our Ken." Her directing credits included productions of "Private Lives," "Blithe Spirit," and "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie." Stirling received several awards throughout her career, including the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in "Separate Tables." She was also appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003 for her services to drama.
Patricia Jessel
Patricia Jessel (October 15, 1920 Hong Kong-June 10, 1968 London) also known as Patricia Helen Jessel, Patricia H. Jessel or Patricia Jessell was a British actor.
She was born in Hong Kong to a British colonial family and was raised in India before moving to England as a young adult. Jessel began her acting career in the 1940s and gained popularity in the 1950s as a stage actor in London's West End. In addition to her stage work, she appeared in several films and television shows throughout her career. Jessel is best known for her portrayal of Mrs. Danvers in the 1952 film adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's novel "Rebecca." She died in London in 1968 at the age of 47.
Jessel's acting career spanned over two decades and during this time, she garnered critical acclaim for her performances on stage. She was particularly known for her interpretations of classic roles in plays by William Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde. Jessel also appeared in several BBC television productions, often playing eccentric or emotionally complex characters. Her film credits include "The Day the Earth Caught Fire" (1961), "Uncle Silas" (1947), and "The Forsythe Saga" (1949). Jessel's talent as an actor was widely recognized, and she received several accolades throughout her career, including a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film "The Nun's Story" (1959). Her legacy as an actor continues to be celebrated by critics and audiences alike, and she is remembered as one of the finest stage actors of her generation.
Joan Francis
Joan Francis (April 1, 1920 Lancashire-November 22, 1995 Manchester) was a British actor.
She began her acting career at the age of 16 and appeared on television and in various stage productions throughout her career. Joan is best known for her role as Ada Barlow in the long-running British soap opera Coronation Street, which she played for over 20 years. She was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1985 for her services to drama. Joan married her husband, writer and director John Finch, in 1942 and they had two children together. She passed away at the age of 75 due to a heart attack.
In addition to her role on Coronation Street, Joan Francis appeared in several other television shows during her career, including All Creatures Great and Small, Z Cars, and Last of the Summer Wine. On stage, she appeared in numerous productions in London's West End and throughout the UK.
Joan was a talented actor who was highly regarded by her peers, and she was known for her dedication to her craft. In addition to her work as an actor, Joan was also a committed activist and served as a member of the National Council for Civil Liberties. She was passionate about social justice and used her platform and voice to speak out against injustices throughout her life.
After her death, Joan's memory lived on through the Joan Francis Memorial Trust, which was established to support young actors and actresses from her hometown of Lancashire. The trust provides financial assistance to young people who are pursuing a career in the performing arts. Her legacy also lives on through her work, which continues to be celebrated and remembered today.
Ann Lancaster
Ann Lancaster (May 5, 1920 London-October 31, 1970 London) also known as Anne Lancaster was a British actor and comedian.
She began her acting career in the 1940s with stage productions and later transitioned to radio and television, becoming a regular on the BBC Radio show "Show Band Show." Lancaster also starred in several British films, including "Folly to Be Wise" and "The Smallest Show on Earth." Known for her comedic talents, she often played zany and eccentric characters. In addition to her acting career, Lancaster was also an accomplished pianist and singer. Despite her successful career, Lancaster struggled with alcoholism and ultimately died from cirrhosis of the liver at the age of 50.
Lancaster was born in London, England and began her entertainment career as a piano player in clubs during the 1940s. She then transitioned to performing on stage and made her film debut in the 1949 musical comedy "Once Upon a Dream." Lancaster's breakthrough role was in the 1951 film "The Lavender Hill Mob," in which she played a supporting role alongside Alec Guinness. Over the course of her career, she appeared in over 20 films and television shows. Some of her notable performances include the role of Irene in the 1953 film "Folly to Be Wise" and Ethel Pickett in the 1957 film "The Smallest Show on Earth."
Lancaster's talent for comedy made her a popular performer on radio and television. She was a regular on the BBC Radio variety show "Show Band Show" for several years in the 1950s. On television, she appeared on shows such as "The Benny Hill Show" and "The Frankie Howerd Show." She was also a regular cast member on the sitcom "The Rag Trade" from 1961 to 1963.
Despite her success, Lancaster's personal life was marked by alcohol abuse. She was married twice and had two children, but both marriages ended in divorce. Lancaster's drinking ultimately led to cirrhosis of the liver, and she died in London in 1970 at the age of 50.
Pearl Hay
Pearl Hay (March 12, 1920 London-) is a British actor.
She began her career in the 1940s and quickly became a notable presence in British theatre, film and television. She is perhaps best known for her role as the matriarch in the popular TV series "The Duchess of Duke Street." Hay has also appeared in several notable films, including "The Nightcomers" and "The Mirror Crack'd." She continued to act well into her 80s, appearing in TV programs such as "Doctors" and "The Bill." In addition to her acting career, Pearl Hay was also a skilled writer and published her memoirs, "A Diamond Under a Chipped Cup," in 2009.
In her early acting career, Pearl Hay was a member of the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company where she performed in several productions including "King Lear" and "The Merry Wives of Windsor". She also appeared in many West End productions, including "The Mousetrap" and "The Importance of Being Earnest". Hay was known for her versatility as an actor and her ability to play a range of characters. In addition to her impressive career on stage and screen, she was also a member of the British Actors' Equity Association, which aims to promote the welfare and rights of actors.